Beyond the Distance: Unraveling a Cyclist’s 600 km Redemption Journey

"Be curious, not judgmental."

This simple phrase, popularized by Ted Lasso in the beloved TV series, has been ringing in my ears lately. It's a mantra that encourages exploration, acceptance, and empathy. And as someone who's just completed a month-long personal journey on two wheels, it's a sentiment that I, Björn, found more relevant than ever.

A few months ago, the goal of riding 500-600 km in a single month would have been a typical undertaking for me. Sometimes riding this in a week or a little more when having a week off work. However, my brush with Covid-19 drastically changed my perspective, transforming this 'ordinary' goal into a colossal challenge.

Covid-19 swept in like a storm, leaving me to navigate through its physically and emotionally draining aftermath. As days became weeks and weeks morphed into a month, my once regular rides seemed like a distant memory.

As if the internal turmoil wasn't enough, the external elements decided to join in. The chill of the German winter, coupled with countless rainy days, was far from the ideal cycling weather. The often dreary, cold days further dampened my spirit, making motivating me to get back in the saddle even harder. Seeing my partner Jana bravely tackling indoor rides brought a glimmer of hope and inspiration, but my energy levels had other plans.

The once almost effortless rides now felt like uphill battles, reminding me of my early days in cycling. Back then, completing a 50 km ride was a significant accomplishment that took all my willpower and determination. Those humble beginnings shaped me, instilling a sense of perseverance and resilience that would prove crucial in the face of the recent trials.

During my recovery, the Covid-19 effects were palpable. My resting heart rate had increased by nearly 10 bpm, and even mild rides shot it up to over 150 bpm. The fear of starting too early and causing more harm constantly hovered over me, adding to the physical toll. The combined physical and mental drain was a formidable adversary, but I knew I had to keep moving forward.

However, achieving this 600 km milestone doesn't mean I'm setting a standard for my future rides. My relationship with cycling isn't anchored on how many kilometers I clock in. It's about the freedom each ride brings, the mental peace it provides, and the simple joy of being one with the open road.

Whether the next month brings in 200 km, 600 km, or more (though highly unlikely), each ride is a triumph in itself. There will be days when the motivation to ride will be missing, even when I know the benefits of cycling for my well-being. That's the reality of it, and it's essential to embrace these ups and downs.

Every spin of the wheel, every pedal stroke, and every breath of fresh air brings me closer to my true self. It's not about the numbers but about the journey. The personal struggles, the setbacks, the triumphs – they all weave into the narrative that makes us who we are.

The reason I share this isn't to boast about my achievement, but to remind everyone that everyone has their unique journey, filled with challenges and victories. Numbers can quantify certain aspects of our journey, but they don't define us. The stories, the experiences, the trials, and the triumphs - those are the real markers of our journey.

Let's apply the essence of "be curious, not judgmental" to our cycling community. Let's create an environment where curiosity guides our interactions, and we take the time to understand the stories behind the numbers. Every cyclist has a story - of their trials, victories, struggles, and achievements. Let's appreciate these individual journeys and learn from each other's experiences. As a community, we must stay supportive and understanding of one another, encouraging each other through challenging times and cheering each other on as we reach our individual goals. We must remember that every ride, regardless of its distance or intensity, is a personal achievement, a testament to the determination and resilience of the rider.

This sense of community and mutual support is why we are thrilled to host the EVERYbody Ride series here in Hamburg. This series represents the shared love of cycling and the shared commitment to each other. It embodies the "be curious, not judgmental" ethos, allowing every rider to participate, share their story, and feel part of a larger, supportive community. Each ride in the series celebrates individual journeys, personal growth, and the unity cycling brings.

In this light, my recent achievement of 600 km in a month isn't merely a reflection of the distance covered; it symbolizes my journey of recovery and resilience. It reminds me of how far I've come from those initial 50 km rides to the monthly 600 km journeys and now, this challenging but rewarding month of slow-paced recovery rides.

This journey has taught me that every pedal stroke, every kilometer, and every ride contributes to our growth as cyclists and individuals. They shape us, challenge us, and, ultimately, strengthen us. So, whether you're embarking on your first ride or your hundredth, remember each ride is a victory, a step forward on your unique journey.

As we move forward, let's build a community that encourages curiosity, fosters understanding, and celebrates diversity. Let's strive to be more than just riders - let's be explorers, adventurers, and, most importantly, supporters of each other's journeys.

Cycling, at its core, is about the freedom of the open road, the thrill of the ride, and the joy of shared experiences. It's about the stories we create, the friendships we foster, and the sense of community we build. And with the EVERYbody Ride series, we're reinforcing these values, ensuring that every rider, irrespective of skill or experience, finds a welcoming community here.

So, here's to every ride, regardless of speed or distance. Here's to embracing and appreciating our own paths and those of others, and supporting each other through the highs and lows of our cycling journey. Because each ride, no matter how long or short, is a step forward, a minor victory in the grand scheme of things.

In conclusion, let's remember that life, like cycling, is a journey filled with uphill battles, easy rides, and, sometimes, much-needed breaks. The important thing is to keep moving, pedaling, and exploring. Let's stay curious about each other's journeys, learn from each other, and grow together.

Remember, every cyclist has a story that's worth hearing, a journey that's worth celebrating, and an experience that's worth learning from. Let's listen, learn, and lend a hand. After all, we're all on this ride together.

Ride on, stay curious, and never stop exploring. Here's to the next ride, no matter how far or fast it may be, and here's to us - the curious, the explorers, the cyclists.

- Björn